What Exactly Constitutes "Cocktail Attire?"

I love dress codes. The more specific my friends are about what I should wear to their events or parties, the better. It saves me from having to make grown-up decisions for myself. You can understand my frustrations, then, when I receive an invitation that ambiguously reads, “cocktail attire required.” While I have a vague sense of what this indicates (a black minidress?), I don’t quite understand how to shop for it. Is it taboo to wear gowns? Are pants appropriate? How fancy do I need to be? Better yet, how casual?

The idea of "cocktail dresses" first originated in a 1927 issue of Vogue and the style was defined as "a short dress that is suitable for formal occasions," i.e. something sophisticated that you can also let loose in. The lexicon has appropriately evolved over time and now cocktail attire is a little more forgiving, with jumpsuits and blazers also qualifying for the occasion.

It is possible, however, to be too formal, so leave the gowns at home. And spruce plainer outfits up with statement accessories: sparkly jewelry, a feathered clutch, etc. As for shoes, you can wear heels (kitten or otherwise), though polished flats or strappy sandals will do too. Still feeling confused? Take the quiz, below, and snag some real-life ensemble inspiration. Then, shop a few of my favorite pieces of cocktail attire. You're ready to party!

David M. BenettGetty Images

Is This Cocktail Attire?

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David M. BenettGetty Images

Yes.

Not only did fashion It Girl Alexa Chung follow the short-dress rule, but she defined it with her own style. Instead of wearing a garment that was tight or sultry, she went for a feminine piece with decorative florals and a quaint little bow. The metallic material and cage heels give the outfit its party-ready stamp.

Follow Alexa's lead and slip into this metallic floral pleated dress. The bubble skirt keeps the piece feeling youthful while the cutout in the back gives it a more daring element. This cocktail mini will look great with barely-there heels.

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Axelle/Bauer-GriffinGetty Images

Is This Cocktail Attire?

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Axelle/Bauer-GriffinGetty Images

Yes.

When I think of cocktail party–appropriate pantsuits, I immediately picture a sleek and clean blazer with matching trousers. Enter Kourtney Kardashian with her plunging neckline. The oversize fit and tapered pants are sexy without exposing too much. (Though, if you're going to a party that is a little more conservative, you might opt to wear a silk camisole underneath your blazer.) Accessorize with a pair of heels.

This single-button blazer comes in a classic silhouette for all your work functions. It's great to have as a spare piece for when you're dashing from the office to an after-work event. Just swap your blouse for a sequin tank top or a bodysuit like this one.

If you're going to wear a black blazer to a cocktail event, you'll need a pair of black bottoms to match. This one has stretch in the fabric, so you can load up on the hor d'oeuvres without feeling any pinches at the waistline.

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Jamie McCarthyGetty Images

Is This Cocktail Attire?

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Jamie McCarthyGetty Images

No.

Fancy, elaborate gowns like this are best saved for galas and occasions that require a strict and formal dress code. There's no need to be this extra because at a cocktail party, you simply want to move from the dance floor to the bar easily without having to pick up your dress's train. Or, is this just me?

Instead of a velvet gown, opt for this simple yet fashionable velvet spaghetti strap dress. The back dips low for a little sex appeal. It's undeniably beautiful in the most understated way.

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Alberto E. RodriguezGetty Images

Is This Cocktail Attire?

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Alberto E. RodriguezGetty Images

Yes.

You'll find many women choose neutral or dark colors for cocktail parties since they're easy to wear, but give brighter garments a try. I recommend using Emma Roberts' Vanity Fair outfit as inspiration. The cap sleeve red minidress is eye-catching and bold. Her shoes match the dress perfectly. And a red lip seals the deal. Roberts' party attire is proof red on red on red is a powerful ensemble.

If you plan on standing out at the cocktail event (e.g. you're the host) then red is the way to go. Everyone's eyes will be drawn to you because of the bold hue as you make your rounds to say hello. To tone it down, simply throw a blazer over your shoulders.

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Michael TullbergGetty Images

Is This Cocktail Attire?

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Michael TullbergGetty Images

Yes.

Yara Shahidi masters the quintessential cocktail look: the little black dress. The LBD works especially well for company parties or your friend's last-minute birthday celebration. Make your dress stand out with a statement shoe. Shahidi chose a cutout stud embellished heel, but you can go for something feathered or colorful, like this Sam Edelman red pump.

The LBD that's short and sweet. From the bows at the shoulders to the formfitting cut, all the details have a feminine finish. Post event, repurpose this dress as a girl's night out number or for date night with the beau.

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Is This Cocktail Attire?

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TheStewartofNYGetty Images

No.

A cocktail party isn't the place to flash your bralette and abs. Save the NSFW outfits when you're at a bachelorette party or on vacation.

Want something sparkly, like that top the VS model wore? Give this sequin wrap dress a spin. It's shimmery, though not in an in-your-face kind of way thanks to the neutral tones.

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Mike CoppolaGetty Images

Is This Cocktail Attire?

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Mike CoppolaGetty Images

Yes.

Cocktail attire has widened beyond the scope of just dresses. Jumpsuits, like this satin emerald-colored option Blake Lively is wearing, work when the fabric is fancy and the look, rich. We also recommend black one-pieces with cutouts or sequins. Switch it up at your next office party with a jumpsuit.

This jumpsuit has it all: ruffles, a bow-tie shoulder, side cutouts, and culotte-style pant legs. Though the pastel color is perfect for cocktail hour in the summer, you can wear this in the winter with a furry white or brown coat.

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TheStewartofNYGetty Images

Is This Cocktail Attire?

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TheStewartofNYGetty Images

No.

You want to above baring too much at the party. Tiny skirts and barely-there tops, even when worn under a blazer, aren't the appropriate pieces for a cocktail party where you might run into your boss or worst, your boss's boss. Even if the invite list is friends-only, these pieces don't bring the level of sophistication a semi-formal event demands.

Though this printed dress is slightly longer than most cocktail dresses, it's still suitable for the occasion. The bright color and whimsical pattern is great for an outdoor cocktail party in the summertime, so keep this in your closet for seasons to come. Make it even more formal with strappy sandals and sparkly jewels.

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